The Tug of War: US-South Africa Relations and the SpaceX Surge
March 28, 2025, 11:32 am
Location: United States, District of Columbia, Washington
Employees: 5001-10000
Founded date: 2002
Total raised: $7.53B
In the world of diplomacy and investment, the stakes are high. The recent nomination of Brent Bozell as the US ambassador to South Africa signals a complex relationship between two nations. The air is thick with tension, and the ground is shifting beneath our feet.
Brent Bozell is not just any nominee. He is a conservative activist, a voice that echoes through the halls of the Media Research Center. His nomination comes at a time when US-South Africa relations are strained. The Trump administration has taken a hard stance against South Africa, criticizing its actions on the international stage. The country’s legal battles concerning Israel have drawn ire from the US, a nation that sees itself as a staunch ally of the Middle Eastern state.
The US has halted foreign assistance to South Africa, a move that feels like a slap in the face. It’s a clear message: the US is unhappy. Trump’s executive order prioritizes Afrikaners, claiming they are victims of racial discrimination. Yet, South Africa has not confiscated land since apartheid ended in 1994. The narrative feels skewed, a tale spun from political threads.
Meanwhile, US companies are deeply invested in South Africa. Tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and IBM have staked their claims in the country. They see potential where others see problems. Microsoft and Google have recently announced significant investments in data centers, reaffirming their commitment to South Africa. It’s a dance of dollars and diplomacy.
Enter Elon Musk, the South African-born billionaire. He’s a force of nature, a whirlwind of ambition and controversy. Musk’s relationship with South Africa is fraught with tension. He has clashed with the government over Starlink licensing, claiming that local economic empowerment rules are stifling his ambitions. His social media rants target political figures, adding fuel to the fire. Musk is not just a businessman; he’s a player in the political arena.
On the other side of the Atlantic, the Baillie Gifford Schiehallion trust is witnessing a financial renaissance. Its stake in SpaceX has skyrocketed by 86% in just one year. This is not just a number; it’s a testament to the trust’s savvy investment strategy. SpaceX, the largest private company in the world, has captured the imagination of investors. The valuation has soared over 600% since Baillie Gifford first invested in 2019.
The trust’s annual results reveal a 51% increase in share price, while underlying asset value grew by 12.9%. The gap between share price and asset value is narrowing, a sign of confidence in the market. Yet, despite these gains, the trust’s share price has only risen 8% since its launch. It’s a paradox, a puzzle that investors are eager to solve.
The recent tender offer valued SpaceX at a staggering $250 billion, igniting investor interest. Baillie Gifford has adjusted its valuation of SpaceX holdings, increasing it by 40-45%. They’ve trimmed their position, selling $5.4 million worth of shares while retaining a $128.8 million stake. It’s a balancing act, a careful dance of risk and reward.
The Schiehallion trust is not just about SpaceX. It holds stakes in other giants like Bytedance and Stripe. Yet, not all investments shine. The trust faced setbacks with Northvolt, a Swedish electric vehicle battery maker that went bankrupt. Other holdings, like Brex and Pet Circle, saw significant declines. The market is a fickle friend, rewarding some while punishing others.
In this landscape, the threads of diplomacy and investment intertwine. The US and South Africa are locked in a complex relationship, with Bozell’s nomination serving as a potential turning point. The tech investments in South Africa represent a glimmer of hope amidst the tension.
As the world watches, the narrative unfolds. Will Bozell’s appointment ease the strain, or will it deepen the divide? Can US companies thrive in South Africa despite the political climate? The answers remain elusive, hidden in the shadows of uncertainty.
In the realm of investment, the Schiehallion trust stands as a beacon of opportunity. SpaceX’s rise is a testament to innovation and ambition. Yet, the challenges faced by other holdings remind us that the road to success is rarely smooth.
As we navigate this complex landscape, one thing is clear: the interplay between politics and investment will shape the future. The tug of war between the US and South Africa continues, while the stars beckon from above. The dance of diplomacy and dollars is far from over.
Brent Bozell is not just any nominee. He is a conservative activist, a voice that echoes through the halls of the Media Research Center. His nomination comes at a time when US-South Africa relations are strained. The Trump administration has taken a hard stance against South Africa, criticizing its actions on the international stage. The country’s legal battles concerning Israel have drawn ire from the US, a nation that sees itself as a staunch ally of the Middle Eastern state.
The US has halted foreign assistance to South Africa, a move that feels like a slap in the face. It’s a clear message: the US is unhappy. Trump’s executive order prioritizes Afrikaners, claiming they are victims of racial discrimination. Yet, South Africa has not confiscated land since apartheid ended in 1994. The narrative feels skewed, a tale spun from political threads.
Meanwhile, US companies are deeply invested in South Africa. Tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and IBM have staked their claims in the country. They see potential where others see problems. Microsoft and Google have recently announced significant investments in data centers, reaffirming their commitment to South Africa. It’s a dance of dollars and diplomacy.
Enter Elon Musk, the South African-born billionaire. He’s a force of nature, a whirlwind of ambition and controversy. Musk’s relationship with South Africa is fraught with tension. He has clashed with the government over Starlink licensing, claiming that local economic empowerment rules are stifling his ambitions. His social media rants target political figures, adding fuel to the fire. Musk is not just a businessman; he’s a player in the political arena.
On the other side of the Atlantic, the Baillie Gifford Schiehallion trust is witnessing a financial renaissance. Its stake in SpaceX has skyrocketed by 86% in just one year. This is not just a number; it’s a testament to the trust’s savvy investment strategy. SpaceX, the largest private company in the world, has captured the imagination of investors. The valuation has soared over 600% since Baillie Gifford first invested in 2019.
The trust’s annual results reveal a 51% increase in share price, while underlying asset value grew by 12.9%. The gap between share price and asset value is narrowing, a sign of confidence in the market. Yet, despite these gains, the trust’s share price has only risen 8% since its launch. It’s a paradox, a puzzle that investors are eager to solve.
The recent tender offer valued SpaceX at a staggering $250 billion, igniting investor interest. Baillie Gifford has adjusted its valuation of SpaceX holdings, increasing it by 40-45%. They’ve trimmed their position, selling $5.4 million worth of shares while retaining a $128.8 million stake. It’s a balancing act, a careful dance of risk and reward.
The Schiehallion trust is not just about SpaceX. It holds stakes in other giants like Bytedance and Stripe. Yet, not all investments shine. The trust faced setbacks with Northvolt, a Swedish electric vehicle battery maker that went bankrupt. Other holdings, like Brex and Pet Circle, saw significant declines. The market is a fickle friend, rewarding some while punishing others.
In this landscape, the threads of diplomacy and investment intertwine. The US and South Africa are locked in a complex relationship, with Bozell’s nomination serving as a potential turning point. The tech investments in South Africa represent a glimmer of hope amidst the tension.
As the world watches, the narrative unfolds. Will Bozell’s appointment ease the strain, or will it deepen the divide? Can US companies thrive in South Africa despite the political climate? The answers remain elusive, hidden in the shadows of uncertainty.
In the realm of investment, the Schiehallion trust stands as a beacon of opportunity. SpaceX’s rise is a testament to innovation and ambition. Yet, the challenges faced by other holdings remind us that the road to success is rarely smooth.
As we navigate this complex landscape, one thing is clear: the interplay between politics and investment will shape the future. The tug of war between the US and South Africa continues, while the stars beckon from above. The dance of diplomacy and dollars is far from over.